LAWS OF DUPLICATE CONTRACT BRIDGE 1997
Definitions Preliminaries Preparation General Laws The Auction The Play Proprieties The Score Sponsorship Tournament Director Appeals


CONTENTS INDEX
LAWS
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86 87 88 89 90
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LAW
6		 THE SHUFFLE AND DEAL_

A. The Shuffle
Before play starts, each pack is thoroughly shuffled. There is a cut if either opponent so requests.
B. The Deal
The cards must be dealt face down, one card at time, into four hands of thirteen cards each; each hand is then placed face down in one of the four pockets of the board. The recommended procedure is that the cards be dealt in rotation, clockwise.
C. Representation of Both Pairs
A member of each side should be present during the shuffle and deal unless the Director instructs otherwise.
D. New Shuffle and Re-deal
1. Cards Incorrectly Dealt or Exposed
There must be a new shuffle and a re-deal if it is ascertained before the auction begins for both sides (see Law 17A) that the cards have been incorrectly dealt or that a player could have seen the face of a card belonging to another hand.
2. No Shuffle or No Deal
No result may stand if the cards are dealt without shuffle from a sorted deck or if the deal had previously been played in a different session.
3. At Director’s Instruction
Subject to Law 22A, there must be a new shuffle and a redeal when required by the Director for any reason compatible with the Laws (but see Law 86C).
E. Director’s Option on Shuffling and Dealing
1. By Players
The Director may instruct that the shuffle and deal be performed at each table immediately before play starts.
2. By Director
The Director may perform the shuffle and deal in advance, himself.
3. By Agents or Assistants
The Director may have his assistants or other appointed agents perform the shuffle and deal in advance.
4. Different Method of Dealing or Pre-dealing
The Director may require a different method of dealing or pre-dealing.
F. Duplication of Board
If required by the conditions of play, one or more exact copies of each original deal may be made under the Director’s instructions.



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